The Rugby Championship kicks off for 2017 this weekend, starting with old foes New Zealand and Australia facing off in a match that doubles as the first of the three-match Bledisloe Cup series. So where will the two matches be played, what time do they kick off, and who will feature?

Crows coach Don Pyke says Tom Lynch is 'ready to go'

Adelaide insist there's no danger in forward Tom Lynch returning to AFL action just over a fortnight since being in intensive care with a viral illness.

Lynch has been summoned to Adelaide's side for Saturday night's clash against Melbourne after missing the past two game because of viral meningitis.

Adelaide coach Don Pyke says Lynch has been cleared by medicos to return despite playing the Demons in Darwin's heat and high humidity.

"It has just been a question of monitoring how he's feeling and his energy levels, and he has been really positive in that space so he's ready to go," Pyke told reporters at Adelaide Airport on Friday.

"His energy levels are back to normal and Tommy is that sort of guy anyway so he's bouncing around the place."